thấu tình
Definition
Adjective:
- Understanding and empathetic: Describes a person, action, or decision that shows deep comprehension of and sensitivity to human feelings and emotional circumstances.
- Reasonable and compassionate: Often used to characterize judgments or solutions that are not only logically sound but also considerate of emotional and relational factors.
Part of a compound idiom:
- Most commonly used in the fixed four-word idiom "thấu tình đạt lý", meaning "to be both understanding (of sentiments) and reasonable (in logic)".
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Lãnh đạo công ty rất thấu tình khi xem xét hoàn cảnh khó khăn của nhân viên. (The company leadership was very understanding when considering the employee's difficult circumstances.)
- Một quyết định thấu tình sẽ khiến mọi người cảm thông. (A compassionate decision will make people sympathetic.)
In idiom "thấu tình đạt lý":
- Cách giải quyết của cô ấy thật thấu tình đạt lý. (Her solution was both reasonable and compassionate.)
- Người phân xử giỏi là người biết thấu tình đạt lý. (A good mediator is one who knows how to be both understanding and reasonable.)
Advanced Usage
- While "thấu tình" can stand alone as an adjective, its usage is often elevated and formal. It is frequently contrasted with "đạt lý" (to attain reason/logic) to present a balanced ideal.
- It is used to praise decisions, judgments, or behaviors in contexts requiring wisdom that harmonizes the heart () and the mind ().
Variants and Related Words
- Thấu tình đạt lý (idiom): To be both understanding and reasonable; to be sensible and empathetic.
- Thấu hiểu (verb): To understand thoroughly, to comprehend deeply.
- Cảm thông (verb/adjective): To sympathize; sympathetic.
Synonyms
- Understanding: Showing comprehension of others' feelings.
- Compassionate: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
- Empathetic: Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Related Idioms
- Thấu tình đạt lý: This is the primary idiom. It emphasizes the perfect balance between human sentiment () and rational principle (), often seen as the hallmark of wise and fair judgment.